Leeds United Women look to maintain perfect league record against Norton & Stockton Ancients

Leeds United Women return to FA Women’s National League Division One North action tomorrow when they host Norton & Stockton Ancients at the BD Community Stadium, with Simon Wood’s side aiming to continue their impressive start to the season.

The Whites have been away from league action for two weeks, but have continued to build momentum through their FA Cup and FA WNL Cup campaigns, securing several convincing victories ahead of their return to domestic league competition.

Leeds booked their place in the first round of the FA Cup with a dominant victory over Stockton Town Ladies.

Alice Hughes claimed the match ball after scoring a hat-trick, while Brittany Sanderson, Abi Coley, Darcie Greene and Drew Greene also found the net twice each in an emphatic attacking display.

That result followed two victories over West Yorkshire rivals Bradford City Women in the space of a week.

Leeds first secured a 2-0 away win in the league to maintain their perfect start to the Division One North campaign before recording a 4-1 triumph in the FA WNL Cup to progress through the group stage.

The latter performance saw Wood’s side demonstrate their attacking quality once again, scoring twice in each half to comfortably see off Bradford and provide further encouragement ahead of their return to league action.

Leeds have won all five of their opening Division One North fixtures, establishing themselves at the top of the standings as they look to maintain their early-season momentum.

Their recent cup performances have also highlighted the depth of attacking options available to Wood, with several players contributing to the goalscoring throughout the campaign.

However, Norton & Stockton Ancients will arrive in West Yorkshire in positive spirits of their own after securing progression to the first round of the FA Cup last weekend.

The visitors defeated Salford City Lionesses 3-1, with first-half goals from Sacha Millward, Bianca Owens and Eve Marshall securing their place in the draw.

Norton & Stockton currently occupy seventh place in the Division One North standings, eight points behind the league leaders.

Despite the difference in league positions, their recent cup success means Leeds will need to maintain the standards they have established throughout the opening weeks of the season.

With the Whites looking to preserve their 100 per cent league record, the fixture presents another opportunity to strengthen their position at the summit and carry their recent form into the next stage of the campaign.

Brittany Sanderson has stressed the squad’s excitement at returning to league competition after a productive fortnight in the cup competitions, with the forward also looking forward to playing back at home.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Sanderson said: “We're really excited to get back into the league after two weeks in the cups.

“It’s always nice to have a bit of a break and use the cup games to try new things. I think we all are ready to get back into league action now and pick up from where we left off. It’ll be nice to be back at home as well.”

Sanderson’s comments reflect the confidence within the Leeds camp following their recent run of results, with the squad now focused on translating that cup form back into the league.

The Whites will be hoping to make the most of home advantage as they look to continue their unbeaten start and maintain their position at the top of the Division One North table.

Kick-off at the BD Community Stadium is scheduled for 2pm on Sunday.